# Spotted-winged Grasshopper (*Orphulella pelidna*) The Spotted-winged Grasshopper is a small, colorful insect that loves to hop around in grassy areas. It has beautiful spots on its wings that make it stand out in nature. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 2 - **Habitat:** Grasslands ![Spotted-winged Grasshopper](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Spotted-wing_Grasshopper_-_Orphulella_pelidna%252C_Green_Swamp%252C_Supply%252C_North_Carolina.jpg&width=800) Photo: Judy Gallagher, CC BY 2.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Spotted-wing_Grasshopper_-_Orphulella_pelidna%252C_Green_Swamp%252C_Supply%252C_North_Carolina.jpg) ## Appearance The Spotted-winged Grasshopper has a slender body, typically green or brown, with a cone-shaped head. Its most distinctive feature is the clear or slightly tinted wings adorned with dark spots. These spots make it visually unique among its grassy habitat. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Orthoptera - **Family:** Acrididae - **Genus:** Orphulella ## Interesting facts - Females lay eggs in a foamy pod underground, protecting future baby grasshoppers. - Its ears are tiny slits located on its abdomen, not on its head! - The scientific name Orphulella means 'small orphan,' quite an unusual name! - Their long antennae act as super-sensors, helping them find food and avoid danger. ## Special abilities - **Leaping Legs:** Spotted-winged Grasshopper can jump incredibly far because of its powerful hind legs that help them escape predators. - **Camouflage Cloak:** Spotted-winged Grasshopper has natural coloration that helps them blend seamlessly with grasses and leaves to hide from hungry birds. - **Sound Scraper:** Spotted-winged Grasshopper can create chirping songs by rubbing its legs against its wings, which helps them communicate with others. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 30-75 mm - **Size:** 15-25 mm - **Lifespan:** 60-120 days - **Flight Speed:** 12 km/h - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding A plant-eating insect that munches on various grasses and leafy plants to grow big and strong. - **Primary Foods:** Grasses, Clover, Dandelions - **Foraging Method:** Grazing ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** Eastern Meadowlark (*Sturnella magna*) — Eastern Meadowlarks often hunt these grasshoppers. - **Eaten by:** Garden Orb Weaver (*Araneus diadematus*) — Orb weaver spiders trap them in their sticky webs. - **Eaten by:** [Green Frog](https://www.snappit.app/explore/green-frog) (*Lithobates clamitans*) — Green Frogs are quick hunters that eat many insects. - **Eats:** [Kentucky Bluegrass](https://www.snappit.app/explore/kentucky-bluegrass) (*Poa pratensis*) — A primary food source, often found in meadows. - **Eats:** [White Clover](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-clover) (*Trifolium repens*) — They also graze on common white clover plants. ## Traits - [Spotted](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/spotted): Marked with spots or patches of a different color. - [Singing](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/singing): Singing animals produce complex vocalizations, often for purposes of attracting mates, defending territory, or communicating within their species. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Grassland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/grassland): Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Grasshoppers are safe to watch, but be gentle if you try to catch one. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Spotted-winged Grasshopper? Look for six legs, antennae, three body sections and the shape of the wings. Beetles have hardened front wings; flies have just one working pair. Tiny insects may need a close view before their group is clear. Insect Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### What is Spotted-winged Grasshopper's wingspan? 30-75 mm ### How big is Spotted-winged Grasshopper? 15-25 mm ### How long does Spotted-winged Grasshopper live? 60-120 days ### How fast can Spotted-winged Grasshopper fly? 12 km/h ### What does Spotted-winged Grasshopper eat? A plant-eating insect that munches on various grasses and leafy plants to grow big and strong. ### Where is Spotted-winged Grasshopper usually found? Grasslands ### How does Spotted-winged Grasshopper hunt? Grazing ## Where to spot - [Cape Lookout Coast Guard Station](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/cape-lookout-coast-guard-station) — US · Historic Site - [McKee Botanical Garden](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/mckee-botanical-garden) — Florida, US · Botanical Garden - [Jones Lake State Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/jones-lake-state-park) — North Carolina, US · State Park [View all places to see Spotted-winged Grasshopper](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/spotted-winged-grasshopper) ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Spotted-winged Grasshopper: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-winged-grasshopper)